Packaging for recordable media

ABSTRACT

A packaging system for CDs, DVDs, software disks and the like is provided which includes a base, an upright body having a pocket for receiving and holding CDs, DVDs, software disks and the like, and an elongate member connected to the base. The base and upright body are constructed and communicate with each other such that the packaging system has a collapsed position which it is in when it is shipped or stored, and a display position. The elongate member has a construction such that it is capable of enfolding the base thereby providing additional protection during shipping and added space for advertising or printing thereon. The elongate portion may include a spine hingedly connected between panels for displaying information when the packaging system is placed on retail shelves or stored. The upright body may also include a pocket with an edge that has upper and lower openings and opposing ends which terminate in small holes for allowing easy insertion of a CD, DVD, software disks or the like. The upper opening may have a shape which generally conforms to the portion of the CD, DVD, software disks or the like held therein, and a lower opening that has a shape which is generally nonlinear. The packaging system may also include a pouch for holding software manuals and other bulky items. The packaging system is made from a unitary blank.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to packaging for displaying, storing andshipping recordable media items, including CDs, DVDs, software and thelike.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] CDs are typically packaged in jewel cases. Jewel cases areusually made of rigid plastic. A jewel case typically has a spine whichallows information concerning the CD contained inside it to be displayedwhen the case and its contents are stored, or displayed on retailshelves. Ordinarily, multiple CDs are shipped in their jewel cases in alarger shipping box which protects the jewel cases during shipping.Jewel cases are often much larger and heavier (i.e., bulkier) than theCDs held within them. In addition, jewel cases tend to cost more thanthey should because they tend to be oversized. Disadvantages of jewelcases are that they take up significantly more retail shelf space thannecessary, use of a shipping box is preferred to minimize breakageduring shipping, and they tend to cost more to ship than they shouldbecause they are bulkier than they need to be.

[0003] DVDs are ordinarily packaged in eases typically made out of vinylor other relatively soft plastic and/or paperboard cases. Like jewelcases, DVD cases are ordinarily much larger and heavier (i.e., bulkier)than the DVDs held within them. Thus, disadvantages of DVD cases, likejewel cases, is that they take up significantly more retail shelf spacethan necessary, and they tend to cost more to ship than they shouldbecause they are bulkier than necessary.

[0004] Software is ordinarily packaged in flat sleeves. Accompanyingsoftware manuals are typically packaged with the sleeves in a larger,outer box with added packaging materials. Software boxes containing thesleeve and manual are preferably shipped in larger shipping boxes toavoid damage. Disadvantages of software boxes, as with jewel and DVDcases, is that they typically take up significantly more retail shelfspace than necessary, and tend to be costly to ship.

[0005] Display packaging is available which can be used to display oneor more CDs, DVDs, software disks and the like. One type of such displaypackaging is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,641,063, 5,613,311 and5,608,977 (the “'063,” “'311,” and “'977” patents, respectively). Suchpackaging is usually constructed from heavyweight paper. Prior artpackaging tends to be smaller and lighter than jewel and DVD cases, andsoftware boxes. In addition, since such packaging is typicallyconstructed of heavyweight paper, it tends to be unbreakable, unlikejewel cases.

[0006] Prior art display packaging is typically constructed with apocket for inserting the CD, DVD, software disk or the like which has anedge, the upper portion of which is generally linear, be it generallyhorizontal or slanted or angled, or generally linear with a notch in thecenter thereof. The lower portion of the edge, which forms the bottom ofthe pocket, is generally in the shape of a sector of a circle so as toconform to the shape of the bottom portion of the CD, DVD, or softwaredisk placed therein. The lower portion tends to hold the CD, DVD orsoftware disk placed therein from its bottom. The lower portion can alsohave embossments to further aid in holding the CD, DVD or software diskplaced therein from its bottom. Typically the CD, DVD, or software diskis not held from its top. The pocket typically does not open very wideor is difficult to open very wide, and tends not to allow for easy orautomatic insertion of CDs, DVDs, software disks and/or the like.

[0007] In addition, prior art display packaging typically does not havea spine. “Spine,” as used herein, means a generally flat area having aheight that is significantly smaller than its width, yet which has aheight sufficient to display information thereon.

[0008] Such display packaging also does not typically have an elongatemember such that it can enfold the package, provide added advertisingspace for retail display advertising, and provide added protectionduring shipping. Moreover, display packaging tends to be capable ofholding and displaying CDs, DVDs, software disks and the like, but notbulkier items, such as software manuals, due to space and constructionlimitations.

[0009] Thus, disadvantages of prior art display packaging include that,when stored or displayed in retail shelf space, information concerningthe content of the packaging cannot be viewed by or is not visible tocustomers. Another disadvantage is that CDs, DVDs, software disks andthe like typically cannot be easily inserted, whether by hand or byautomated equipment, into the pocket. Such display packaging is alsopreferably provided with additional packaging when shipped to avoiddamage to its contents during shipping. Moreover, prior art displaypackaging does not allow software manuals and other bulkier items to beshipped with the CD, DVD, software disks and the like.

[0010] In addition, jewel cases and prior art display packagingtypically require unduly complex automated processes for their assemblyor to insert the CD, DVD, software disk and the like therein. DVD casesand software boxes typically require hand assembly because they areusually constructed from multiple pieces and/or are of such a designthat the DVDs or disks, manuals and other packaging material cannot beeasily or automatically inserted in the package.

[0011] What is desired, therefore, is a packaging system for CDs, DVDs,software and the like that takes up relatively little retail shelfspace, is relatively light weight and durable, yet which allowsinformation concerning the contents of the system to be viewed when thesystem is displayed on retail shelf space or is otherwise stored. Whatis also desired is a packaging system that is relatively small, lightweight and durable, yet which provides added protection during shipping.What is still further desired is a packaging system that is relativelysmall, light weight and durable, yet which can be relatively easilyassembled using relatively simple automated assembly equipment. Furtherdesired is a packaging system that is relatively small, light weight anddurable, yet one in which bulky items, such as software manuals and thelike, can be packaged. None of which features are found in the prior artpackaging disclosed in the '063, the '311 and the '977 patents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a packagingsystem which takes up relatively little retail shelf space, yet which isdurable and allows information to be displayed thereon when thepackaging system is stored on a retail shelf.

[0013] Another object of the invention to provide a packaging systemwhich takes up relatively little retail shelf space, is relatively smalland light weight, yet is durable, and provides added protection duringshipping.

[0014] A further object of the invention is to provide a packagingsystem which takes up relatively little retail shelf space, isrelatively small and light weight, yet is durable, and allows forrelatively easy assembly using relatively simple automated assemblyequipment.

[0015] Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a packagingsystem which takes up relatively little retail shelf space, isrelatively small and light weight, yet is durable, and allows bulkymanuals and the like to be packaged with the CDs, DVDs, software disksand the like packaged therein.

[0016] Other objects of the invention will be obvious and may in partappear hereinafter.

[0017] These and other objects, features and advantages of the inventionare achieved by providing a packaging system for CDs, DVDs, softwaredisks and the like including a base having upper and lower panels withouter and inner ends, the inner ends having central portions. The panelsare hingedly connected together along their respective outer and innerends. The central portions of the inner ends are spaced apart from eachother to define an elongate slot. The packaging system also includes anupright body connected to the base and extending upwardly therefromthrough the slot. The body comprises a plurality of opposing panelswhich defines a pocket with an edge. At least one of the opposing panelsof the upright body has an elongate vertical edge portion arrangedrelative to the slot such that the upright body is capable of beignmaintained upright relative to the base so that the media item isdisplayed. The pocket edge has an upper opening which generally has ashape such that the media item is held therein, a lower opening with anonlinear shape, and opposing ends which terminate in holes. At leastone of the plurality of opposing panels of the upright body has anelongate vertical edge portion of considerable extent arranged inoutwardly and downwardly diverging relation to the slot so as to provideprogressively increasing frictional engagement with proximal endportions of the slot, which maintains the packaging system in a displayposition. The system further comprises an elongate member connected tothe base with a construction such that the elongate member is capable ofenfolding the base and a face which provides added stiffness anddurability.

[0018] Preferably, the elongate member is comprised of at least twopanels and a spine hingedly connected between the panels such that it isadjacent to the inner ends of the base when the base is collapsed. It isadvantageous for the upright body portion to have more than one pocketand/or the elongate member to have one or more pockets to receive andretain more than one CD, DVD, software disk and/or the like. It is alsoadvantageous for the elongate member to have a pouch hingedly connectedto it for holding bulky items within the packaging system.

[0019] The invention and its particular features will become moreapparent from the following detailed description considered withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the packagingsystem in display position;

[0021]FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.1 in another display position;

[0022]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 inan enfolded and collapsed position;

[0023]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 inits completely enfolded and collapsed position;

[0024]FIG. 4A is a plan view of a blank used to form the embodimentshown in FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the blank shown in FIG. 4A beingassembled;

[0026]FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 4Bbeing further assembled;

[0027]FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 4Cbeing still further assembled;

[0028]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of thepackaging system in a display position;

[0029]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5Ain another display position;

[0030]FIG. 6A is a plan view of a blank used to form the embodimentshown in FIGS. 5A and 5B;

[0031]FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the blank shown in FIG. 6A beingassembled;

[0032]FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6Bbeing further assembled;

[0033]FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6Cbeing still further assembled;

[0034]FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6Dbeing folded; and

[0035]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 inits completely enfolded and collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] FIGS. 1-2, 3A-B, and 4A-D depict a packaging system 10 includinga base 12, an upright body 26 that holds CDs, DVDs, software and thelike and is connected to base 12 at foldline 13, and an elongate member36. Base 12 and upright body 26 are constructed such that theycommunicate with each other to provide packaging system 10 with acollapsed position and display positions. Elongate member 36 cooperateswith base 12 and upright body 26 such that it enfolds base 12 when it iscollapsed and extends or folds so as to allow advertising information onthe outside or the inside of elongate member 36, whichever is desired,to be viewed. The collapsed position of base 12 and an enfolded positionof elongate member 36 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Display positionsare shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0037] CDs, DVDs, software disks and the like are referred tocollectively herein as “a media item.” “Media item” also may include,for example, 35 mm photos, photo-CDs, software pamphlets, booklets,credit cards, computer cards/chips and other planar items. “Media item”shall also be understood to include plural forms of the phrase.

[0038] Base 12 has opposing halves 14, 15 which are each formed from apair of spaced apart upper 16, 17 and lower 18, 19 panels. The upper andlower panels 16, 17, 18 and 19 are hingedly connected together alongtheir inner ends 22, and their outer ends 20, 21. The inner ends 22 arespaced apart from each other in their central portion to define anelongate slot 24 therebetween.

[0039] Upright body 26 is connected to base 12 such that it is capableof extending upwardly from base 12 and through slot 24. Body 26 includesa plurality of opposing panels 28 which define at least one pocket 30.Pocket 30 is adapted so that it can relatively easily receive mediaitems. At least one of opposing panels 28 has an elongate vertical edgeportion 32 having a considerable length and being arranged such that itextends outwardly and downwardly in diverging relation to slot 24.Elongate vertical edge portion 32 is constructed such that itcommunicates with slot 24 in progressively increasingly frictionalengagement with proximal end portions 33 and 34 of slot 24. Thisincreasing frictional engagement with slot 24 by proximal end portions33 and 34 maintains packaging system 10 in a display position. Elongatevertical edge portion 32 may have shoulders 32 a and 32 b, for exampleas shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which engage end portions 33 and 34 andmaintain packaging system 10 in a display position.

[0040] Elongate member 36 is connected to base 12. Elongate member 36 ispreferably connected to base 12 between the opposing halves 14, 15 atfoldline 13. Elongate member 36 has at least two panels 38, 40 which arehingedly connected to each other and of such a length that elongatemember 36 is capable of enfolding base 12 when base 12 is collapsed, asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Elongate member 36 preferably has a spine 42,as defined above, which allows information to be displayed thereon whilepackaging system 10 is stored. For example, spine 42 allows informationprinted thereon to be visible by a customer or other individual whenpackaging system 10 is stored on a retail shelf, or in a CD rack.

[0041] Elongate member 36 further has face 37, as shown in FIG. 2, whichprovides added protection during shipping. Preferably face 37 extends tospine 42 (not shown) to impart added strength and durability to elongatemember 36.

[0042] Elongate member 36 may also be provided with printed information,such as advertising. This printed information may appear on the inside36 a or outside 36 b of elongate member 36. Printed information on theoutside 36 b of elongate member 36 may be viewed when packaging system10 is in the display position shown in FIG. 1 or in enfolded positionsshown in FIGS. 3A and B. Printed information on the inside 36 a ofelongate member 36 may be viewed when packaging system 10 is in thedisplay position shown in FIG. 2, for example.

[0043] Pocket 30 has an edge 44 that defines upper and lower openings 44a and 44 b respectively, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Upper and loweropenings 44 a and 44 b are generally defined by horizontal referenceline h; upper opening 44 a comprises pocket edge 44 lying abovereference line h and lower opening 44 b comprises pocket edge 44 belowreference line h. Reference line h may, but is not required to, bisectthe media item placed in pocket 30. Upper opening 44 a generallyconforms to the shape of the media item to be held in pocket 30. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, upper opening 44 a is semicircularand generally sized so as to conform to the upper portion of a CD, DVD,or software disk placed therein. By way of further example, for agenerally rectangular media item, upper opening 44 a may be generallyrectangular so as to conform to the perimeter of the media itemprojecting above horizontal reference line h. Upper opening 44 a tendsto hold the media item in pocket 30 and prevent it from falling out, ifpackaging system 10 is turned on its end 27.

[0044] Lower opening 44 b generally has a shape that is nonlinear. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, lower opening 44 b is nonlinear andis comprised of a plurality of linear segments. Lower opening 44 b may,but is not required to, be curvedly or crescent shaped. Generally, loweropening 44 b shall not have a shape which conforms to the shape of theportion of the media item held in pocket 30 below horizontal referenceline h. Lower opening 44 b allows the media item to be more easilyinserted into pocket 30 than a lower opening which has a linear shape,yet allows the media item to be held in place. Thus, lower opening 44 bgenerally allows pocket 30 to be opened wider than a pocket with alinear edge, while still holding the media item.

[0045] Pocket edge 44 also has opposing ends 52 and 54. Opposing ends 52and 54 may have small holes 56 and 58 adjacent thereto. As shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B, opposing ends 52 and 54 may but are not requiredto terminate in perforations 56 a and 58 a disposed between edge 44 andholes 56 and 58, respectively. Opposing ends 52 and 54, small holes 56and 58 and/or perforations 56 a and 58 a may lie along horizontalreference line h, but are not required to. Small holes 56 and 58 andperforations 56 a and 58 a, alone and/or together, provide for eveneasier insertion of a media item into pocket 30 by allowing pocket 30 toexpand even wider than a pocket not having holes 56 and 58 and/orperforations 56 a and 58 a, while still adequately holding the mediaitem after it has been inserted. Holes 56 and 58, perforations 56 a and58 a, and lower opening 44 b are also advantageous because theygenerally allow thicker and/or multiple CDs, DVDs, software disks andthe like to be inserted in pocket 30.

[0046] The plurality of opposing panels 28 that form pocket 30 may haveone or more embossments 29, for example, to conform to the side of amedia item placed in pocket 30. This allows the media item to be moresnugly held within pocket 30.

[0047] Packaging system 10′ is also provided as shown in FIGS. 5A-B,6A-E and 7. Packaging system 10′ generally has the features andfunctions described above relative to packaging system 10, but alsoincludes pouch 48 for holding bulky items, such as one or more softwaremanuals, promotional items or generally nonplanar items. Pouch 48 has asize such that it can hold such bulky items. Pouch 48 is connected topackaging system 10′ so that it is capable of folding over base 12′ whenbase 12′ is in its collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 6E. Preferably,pouch 48 is hingedly connected to elongate member 36′. Elongate member36′ has elongate side 50 which is generally in a plane that istransverse to the plane in which upright body 26′ lies. Pouch 48preferably is connected to elongate side 50. This configuration allowspouch 48 to clear base 12′ when it is folded over base 12′.

[0048] It is understood that pouch 48 may be connected to elongatemember 36′ at another edge or it may be connect directly to base 12′.Connecting pouch 48 directly to one end 66 of elongate member formingportion E′ is referred to as being connected “in-line.” Connecting pouch48 in-line is generally preferable as it makes assembly of packagingsystem 10′ easier, but would require the addition of one or more panelsto blank 46′.

[0049] Packaging system 10′, as a result of pouch 48, has a wall 60adjacent to elongate side 50 or base 12′, depending upon which it isconnected to. Wall 60 may also have information displayed thereon, inaddition to information displayed on spine 42′.

[0050] Packaging systems 10 and 10′ may be held closed with seal 62,62′. Seal 62, 62′ can be any suitable sealing material, including aplastic tab, wafer seal or velcro. A wafer seal having a half moon shapein shown in FIGS. 3B and 7. Multiple seals may also be used, asappropriate.

[0051] Packaging systems 10 and 10′ may be shrink wrapped. The shrinkwrap encases the packaging systems 10 and 10′ and protects them duringshipment and handling. Typical shrink wrap is plastic and provides amoisture and/or vapor barrier against the elements. It is desirable forthe wrap to be transparent or at least translucent so that the packagingsystems 10 and 10′ can be easily seen. The shrink wrap may be printedthereon or otherwise decoratively treated.

[0052] Packaging systems 10 and 10′ may be formed from blanks 46 and46′, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 4A-D and 6A-E. FIG. 6E specificallyshows that base 12′ first folds over elongate member 36′, and then pouch48 folds over base 12′. Blanks 46 and 46′ are generally unitary orcomprised of a single piece of material, and are generally of uniformthickness. Preferably, the material is paperboard. It is understood thata different quality, color, or gauge of paperboard or alternativematerials, such as plastic or a light metal alloy, or a combinationthereof, may be used to make blanks 46 and 46′, so long as the materialused is capable of being cut and folded to form packaging systems 10 and10′. Preferably, the paperboard has an aqueous coating. It is alsounderstood that a coating or other surface treatment need not be used atall or may only be provided on one side of the paperboard. Thepaperboard may also be printed, especially on spines 42 and 42′.

[0053] As depicted in FIGS. 4A and 6A, blanks 46 and 46′ havebase-forming portions B and B′, upright body-forming portions U and U′,and elongate member-forming portions E and E′, respectively. Blank 46′also has pouch-forming portion P. Upright body-forming portions U and U′form pockets 30 and 30′, with edges 44 and 44′, respectively. Slots 24and 24′ are also shown in FIGS. 4A and 6A. FIGS. 5B and 6A-E furthershow edge 64 of pouch, and ancillary pocket opening 63. It is understoodthat, while pouch edge 64 and ancillary pocket opening 63 are shownhaving the shapes in FIGS. 5B and 6A-B, they can have any shape.Portions B, B′, U, U′, E and E′ are formed from a plurality of seriallyarranged panels with hinged connections therebetween so as to correspondto panels and features described above relative to packaging systems 10and 10′. The panels generally have rectangular configurations, but canhave any configurations, including trapezoidal configurations. Hingedconnections described herein are understood to include those fonmed bycreasing, partially cutting, perforating or scoring the paperboard.Outer edges of blanks 46 and 46′, slots 24 and 24′, holes 56, 58, 56′and 58′ and perforations 56 a, 58 a, 56 a′ and 58 a′ and any other slitsdesired may be die cut using a rule die or other die known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

[0054] Desirably blanks 46 and 46′ are automatically assembled. Blanks46 and 46′ are assembled to form packaging systems 10 and 10′ byglueing. Any type of glue may be used but preferably glue which may beused in automatic assembly equipment is used. Media items may alsodesirably be automatically inserted. By comparing FIGS. 4A-D and 6A-E,it can be seen how to glue and assemble packaging systems 10 and 10′.U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,641,063, 5,613,311 and 5,608,977 describe in detailmethods for glueing and assembling display packaging within the level ofordinary skill in the art which can be used to glue and assemble blanks46 and 46′. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,641,063, 5,613,311 and 5,608,977 are herebyincorporated by reference.

[0055] FIGS. 1-3B show how to display and enfold packaging system 10 inpreparation for shipping and/or storing. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 7 similarlyshow how to display and enfold packaging system 10′. To display themedia item, upright bodies 26 and 26′ extend upwardly from bases 12 and12′ through elongate slots 24 and 24′. To enfold packaging systems 10and 10′, base halves 14, 14′, 15, and 15′ are collapsed along foldlines13 and 13′ such that upright bodies 26 and 26′ are substantially coveredby bases 12 and 12′, and elongate members 36 and 36′ are enfolded aroundcollapsed bases 12 and 12′. This ability of packaging systems 10 and 10′to move from a display position to a collapsed and enfolded position isprovided by hingedly connecting elongate members 36 and 36′ and uprightbodies 26 and 26′ to bases 12 and 12′, respectively. It is understoodthat elongate members 36 and 36′ and upright bodies 26 and 26′ areintegrally connected to bases 12 and 12′.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5A and 5B, upright bodies 26 and 26′communicate and interfere with elongate slots 24 and 24′ so thatpackaging systems 10 and 10′ are capable of remaining in a displayposition. This can be achieved, for example, by providing elongate slots24 and 24′ with slits 33 a and 34 a at end portions 33 and 34, alonginner ends of spaced apart upper and lower panels 22 and 22′, and byproviding bases 12 and 12′ with shoulders 32 a and 32 b which correspondto the slits 33 a and 34 a. As discussed above, this can be achieved byproviding upright bodies 26 and 26′ with vertical edges which increasein outwardly and downwardly diverging relation to elongate slots 24 and24′, or by providing periodic notches, lances, or steps for holdingbases 12 and 12′ in multiple, predetermined, intermediate positions.These and other additional features are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,613,311, 5,608,977 and 5,641,063 which are incorporated by reference.

[0057] Although the invention has been described with reference to aparticular arrangement of parts, features and the like, manymodifications and other embodiments of the invention will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein, which are exemplary, and thatmodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging system for media items, comprising: abase having upper and lower panels with outer and inner ends, the innerends having central portions, said panels being hingedly connectedtogether along their respective outer and inner ends, the centralportions of the inner ends being spaced apart from each other to definetherebetween an elongate slot; an upright body connected to said baseand extending upwardly therefrom through the slot, said body comprisinga plurality of opposing panels defining a pocket, wherein at least oneof the plurality of opposing panels of said upright body has an elongatevertical edge portion arranged relative to the slot such that saidupright body is capable of being maintained upright relative to saidbase thereby displaying the media item, the pocket having an edge, theedge having an upper opening generally with a shape such that the mediaitem is held therein, a lower opening with a nonlinear shape, andopposing ends which terminate in holes; and an elongate member connectedto said base having a construction such that said elongate member iscapable of enfolding said base, and a face for providing added stiffnessand durability.
 2. The packaging system according to claim 1 whereinsaid elongate member further comprises a spine.
 3. The packaging systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the lower pocket opening has a shape formedfrom a plurality of linear segments, or is curved.
 4. The packagingsystem according to claim 2 wherein said elongate member is comprised ofat least two panels and wherein the spine is hingedly connected betweenthe elongate member panels such that it is adjacent to the inner ends ofsaid base when said base is collapsed, and said elongate member enfoldssaid base.
 5. The packaging system according to claim 4 made from ablank.
 6. The packaging system according to claim 4 further comprising apouch connected to said elongate member such that said pouch is capableof folding over said base.
 7. The packaging system according to claim 6wherein said elongate member has an elongate side and said pouch isconnected to said elongate side.
 8. A packaging system for media items,comprising: a base having upper and lower panels with outer and innerends, the inner ends having central portions, said panels being hingedlyconnected together along their respective outer and inner ends, thecentral portions being spaced apart from each other to definetherebetween an elongate slot; an upright body connected to said baseand extending upwardly therefrom through the slot, said body comprisinga plurality of opposing panels defining a pocket adapted to receive andhold the media item therein, wherein at least one of the plurality ofopposing panels of said upright body has an elongate vertical edgeportion arranged relative to the slot such that said upright body iscapable of being maintained upright relative to said base therebydisplaying the media item; and an elongate member connected to said basehaving at least two panels hingedly connected to each other, a face forproviding added stiffness and durability, and a length such that saidelongate member is capable of enfolding said base.
 9. The packagingsystem according to claim 8 wherein said elongate member furthercomprises a spine hingedly connected to the elongate member panels suchthat said pouch is adjacent to the inner ends of said base when saidbase is collapsed, and said elongate member enfolds said base.
 10. Thepackaging system according to claim 9 wherein the pocket has an edgewith upper and lower openings, the lower opening having a shape that isnonlinear.
 11. The packaging system according to claim 10 wherein thelower pocket opening has a shape formed from a plurality of linearsegments, or is curved.
 12. The packaging system according to claim 9made from a blank.
 13. The packaging system according to claim 9 furthercomprising a pouch connected to said elongate member such that saidpouch is capable of folding over said base.
 14. The packaging systemaccording to claim 13 wherein said elongate member has an elongate sideand said pouch is connected to said elongate side.
 15. A packagingsystem for media items, comprising: a base having upper and lower panelswith outer and inner ends, the inner ends having central portions, saidpanels being hingedly connected together along their respective outerand inner ends, the central portions being spaced apart from each otherto define therebetween an elongate slot; an upright body connected tosaid base and extending upwardly therefrom through the slot, said bodycomprising a plurality of opposing panels defining a pocket adapted toreceive and hold the media item therein, wherein at least one of theplurality of opposing panels of said upright body has an elongatevertical edge portion arranged relative to the slot such that saidupright body is capable of being maintained upright relative to saidbase thereby displaying the media item; and a spine connected to saidbase having a height that is significantly smaller than its width, yet asize sufficient to display printed information thereon.
 16. Thepackaging system according to claim 15 further comprising an elongatemember connected to said base having at least two panels, said elongatemember having a length such that said pouch is capable of enfolding saidbase, wherein said spine is hingedly connected between the elongatemember panels such that said spine is adjacent to the inner ends of saidbase when said base is collapsed and said elongate member enfolds saidbase.
 17. The packaging system according to claim 15 wherein the pockethas an edge with upper and lower openings, the lower opening having ashape that is nonlinear.
 18. The packaging system according to claim 17wherein the lower pocket opening has a shape formed from a plurality oflinear segments, or is curved.
 19. The packaging system according toclaim 15 made from a blank.
 20. The packaging system according to claim15 further comprising a pouch connected to said elongate member suchthat said pouch is capable of folding over said base.
 21. The packagingsystem according to claim 20 wherein said elongate member has anelongate side and said pouch is connected to said elongate side.